Grading machine



F. R. MORTON.

GRADING MACHINE- APPLICATION FILED F-EB. B. 1921.

1,435,& 1 3 Patented Nov. 14, 1922.

4 SHEETS-SHEEY l.

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F. R. MORTON.

GRADING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED FEB-8.192].

1 ,4=35,4 1 3 Patented Nov. M, 1922.

Q 4 SHEETSSHEE1 2.

F; R. MORTON.

GRADING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. a, 192i.

1 A3224 1 8 Patented Nov. 14, 1922.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

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F. R MORTON.

GRADING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED FEB. 8, 1921.

1 ,435A 1 3 Patented NOV. 14, 1922;

4 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

Pate'ntedNov. 14, 1 922. 1

FREDERICK R. MORTON,

GRADING Application filed February v T all whom it may concern:

' ing at Fresno, in the county of Fresno and of the organization, which 7 and compact.

State of California, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Grading Machines, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to a machine for scraping, leveling or grading land.

' An important object of the invention is to provide a machine of the above mentioned character, which is well adapted for use with a small or light tractor, where certainty, precision and ease of handling the machine, by one man from the tractor seat, together with the light draft for the amount of dirt removed, are very essential.

-A further object of the invention is to provide a machine of the abovementioned character, which by virtue of special features and exceeding lightness of draft, is adapted for use with horses, with slight changes:

A further object of the invention is to provide a machine of the above mentioned character having an extraordinarily light draft for the amount of earth handled or removed, which is effected so supporting or mounting the scraper 1n the wheeled frame of the machine that a large amount ull employed in urging the scrape-r into th ground, is properly transferred to and carried by the wheels of the machine.

A further object of the invention is to provide means operated from the traction wheels of the machine to mechanically raise and lower the scraper blade, which means is controlled in operation by manually op erated means, there being automatic means to lock the scraper against vertical movement, when the manually operated means are released. 4 I

A further object of the invention is to provide means to automatically limit the upward and downward movement of the scraper blade, when the traction wheel operated means is set into action.

A further object of the invention is to provide awclutch mechanism, included in the is simple in construction A further object of the invention is to improve the machines of this general type,

or FRESNO, CALIFORNIA.

MACHINE. I i

s, 1921. Serial No. 44s;443.

with a view of rendering them more efiiment and reliable in operation. P Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent during the course of the following description.

In the accompanying drawings'forming a part of this specification, and in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughoutthe same. Figure 1 is a plan view of a machine embodying my invention, x

Figure 2 is a rearend elevation, Figure 3 is a longitudinal section taken on line 3-3 of Fig. p

Figure 4 is a side elevation of the clutch mechanism, parts in section,

' Figure 5 isv a detail section taken on line 5-5 of Fig, 1.

Figu 56 of Fig. 1, 4

Figure 7 is a perspective view of bellcrank levers. included in automatic stop means, and,

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a guide bracket.

In the drawings wherein for the purpose of illustration is shown a preferred embodiment of my inventiom'the numeral 10 designates a'ma-in frame as a whole, preferably formed of channel or angle iron. This frame embodies longitudinal beams 11, the forward portions of which converge, at 12. The frame further comprises transverse beams 13 and 14. These several beams have connection with gusset plates 15, as shown.

It is to be understood that the "specific con-- struction of the main frame may be sultably l-ported by traction wheels 21, rigidly mount 7 9 ed upon a transverse axle 22, en ds of-whi'ch re 6 is a similar view taken on line T 1e bracket 17 is free to turn in a horiare journalled in bearings 23, and held against longitudinal movement by collars 24, rigidly secured thereto, as more clearly shownin Fig, 2. The bearings 23 are rigidly secured to depending brackets 25, in turn rigidly secured to the beams 11.

The numeral 26 designates a scraper element as a whole, which is arranged in more or less of an upright position and is curved in vertical cross-sectionf A blade 27 extends longitudinally of the lower edge of the scraper element 26, and is preferably detachably securedthereto. The side plates or levers 28 are secured v to the ends of the scraper element 26, and extend forwardly, and are apertured, to receive pivot studs 29 rigidly secured to depending brackets 30. These depending brackets are rigidly secured to the beams 11, as shown at 31. It is thus seen that the scraping element is pivoted to the main frame, to swinglongitudinally thereof in a vertical plane, and by virtue of the connection of the scraping element with the main fr amefiat a point in advance of the scraping element, the pull upon the scraper element, tending to advance the same into the earth, is properly distributed to the wheels of the mainframe, whereby a light draft is obtained. I

The means to raise and lower the scraper element 26 includes a horizontal transverse control shaft 32, journalled in bearings 33, which are fixed upon bars 34, attached to short longitudinal beams 35 by any suitable means in turn attached to the transverse beams 13 and 14. The control shaft 32 carries at its end a pair of forwardly projecting cranks 36, rigidly secured thereto; and links 37, Fig. 6, are pivoted to these cranks, at 38. The links extend downwardly and are pivoted at 39, between pairs of ears 40,

secured to the scraper element 26.

The numeral 41 designates a horizontal transverse jack shaft, journalled in bearings 42, supported upon the bars 34. The control shaft 32'and jack shaft 41, Fig. 3, are preferably arranged in horizontal alignment, and are spaced from the axle 22.

The numeral 43 designates a friction clutch mechanism as a whole, shown more clearly in Fig. 4, This clutch mechanism embodies a central disk 44, rigidly secured to the axle or shaft 22.. 45 and 46 are flietion elements or drums, which are loosely mounted upon the axle 22. These drums are disposed upon opposite sides of the disk 44, as shown. The friction drums are providedwith tubular hubs 47'and48, carrying sprocket wheels 49 and 50 respectively. Springs 51 are arranged between the disk 44 and the hubs 47 and .48, and tend. to urge the friction drums outwardly to 1 break contact with the disk 44. The numering to move the hubs 47 and 48 inwardly. End thrust ball bearings 53 are preferably disposed between the sliding blocks and the .hubs, as shown. The sliding blocks are provided with horizontal arms 54, preferably integral therewith, and extending rear wardly and having their ends flattened to slide within the grooves 55, of guide brackets 56, see Fig. 8 in particular. These guide brackets are supported by the transverse bar 13.. It is thus seen/that the horizontal arms 54 prevent rotation of the sliding blocks 52, but permit. of their free sliding;

59 and the collar 70, as shown. The shifting heads 59 and 60 carry upstanding cranks 73 and 74, connected with links 75, extending rearwardly and pivotally connected with hand levers 76 and 77, as shown. The connection between each lever 76 and 77 and its corresponding link 75 is identical, as shown in Figure Itis thus seen that when either lever 76 or 77 is swung forwardly, that the corresponding crank 73 or 74 will be swung forwardly, and the shifting head turned upon the axle 22, whereby the drumv 45 or 46 will be brought into frictional contact with the friction disk 44, whereby the drum is rotated. The rotation of the friction drum will be continued as long as the manually operated lever 76 or 77 is held in the forward position, but as soon asthis lever is released, the parts are restored to the inactive position, by virtue of the spring 51 shifting the drum away from the disk;

The sprocket wheel 49 of the hub 47 is engaged by a sprocket chain 78, engaging a sprocket wheel 79, rigidly mounted upon the control shaft 32. The sprocket wheel 50 of the hub 48 is engaged by a sprocket chain 80, Figures 1 and 2, engaging a sprocket wheel 81, rigidly secured upon the jack shaft 41. A .gear 82 is rigidly mounted upon the jack shaft, and engages a segmental gear 83, see more particularly Fig; 6, rigidly mounted upon the control shaft 32. While I prefer to employ the form of driving connection between the axle and control and jack.shafts, as shown, yet the invention is in no sense restricted to the same, as'other form" of driving means or gears may be employed.

The jack shaft 41,- see rigidly secured thereto, sum-sun d b a more particularly Flgr 5, has a brake element-or iilley 84 is secured to a beam 86, suitably connected with the beams 35, while the opposite end of the brake band carries a coupling 88, connected with a rod 89. This rod extends through and into a cylindrical casing or housing 90, rigidly secured to the beam 13. A compressible c011 spring91 is held within the housing 90, surrounds the rod 89, and engages a nut 92 upon the rod. The function of this spring is to move the rod 89 rearwardly thereby normally maintaining the brake band 85 active, holding the brake pulley 84 againstturning) movement.

The rod 89 is preferably screw threaded between its ends, at 93, for receiving an adjustable nut 94. A releasing bar 95 has an aperture 96, centrally thereof, to loosely re. ceive the rod 89.' The nut 94 is adapted to contact with the releasing bar 95, and may be adjusted toward and away from this bar,-

by rotation of the nut 94. The bar 95 is provided atits endswith educed extremities or trunnions 97, Figures 1, 2 and 3, pivoted within openings 98, Fig. 3, formed in the levers 76 and 77.- The opening 96,

Figure 5 and openings 98, Figure 3, are

sufficiently large to afford a loose coiinection between the several parts, so that when one lever 76 or 77 isshifted forwardly, the bar 95 will turn upon the other lever as a pivot, when contacting with the nut 94, prior to shifting the rod 89 forwardly. 'Each lever 76 and 7 7, Fig. 5, is pivoted at its lower end, at 99 to a bracket 100, secured to the beam 13.

It might be stated at'this point that when the machine is drawn-forwardly by a tractor, the levers 76 and 77 are preferablyi employed, 1 which are directly operated by hand, or cables or the like may be secured thereto, for operating the levers from the tractor. I

Means are provided to limit the upward and downward movement of the scraper element, comprising a bell crank lever 101, see particularly Figures 1 and 7 Thlsbell crank lever .is pivotally supported by a bracket 102, carried by the beam 14. The bell crank lever is provided at its end with an upwardly extending adjustable contact element or bolt 103, disposed in the path of travel of a stop-bracket 104, secured .to the scraper element 26. The bell crank 'lev er 101 has pivotal connection with a reach rod 105, extending rearwardly for pivotal connection at 106 with the lever 76. A second bell crank lever 108 is pivoted upon a bracket The operation of the machine is asfollows: As the machine is drawn forwardly, the traction wheels 21 are rotated clockwise,

imparting a clockwise rotation to the shaft 22. The friction drums 45 and 46 arenormany held out of contact with the frictiondisk 44, and the spring 91 normally holds the brake band 85 into clamping engage= ment with the brake pulley 84, whereby the o scraping element 26 is normally locked in a selected position.- If it is desired to lower the scraping element, lever 76 is swung forwardly, causing rod to move forwardly and swinging the crank 73 forwardly. The

shifting head 59, Figure 4, is accordingly turned clockwise and the sliding block 52 shifted inwardly, whereby the friction drum 45 engages friction disk 44. At about the same time that'friction drum 45 is brought into contact with friction disk 44, sufiiciently for rotating friction drum 45, the lever 76 swings the corresponding end of bar 95 forwardly, causing it to contact with a nut '94, which moves the rod 93 forwardly and releases the brake pulley 84. The rotation-of theaxle 22, in a clockwise direction,is hence imparted to the control shaft 32, which swings cranks 36 downwardly, lowering the released. Shoul the operator hold the lever 76 in the forward position, the scraping element 26 would continue to descend, until stop-bracket 104 engages contact element 103, which wouldswing bell crank lever 101 upon its pivot, shifting rod 105 rearwardly, and automatically returning lever 76 to the inactive position. .Should it be desired to raise the scraping element, the lever 77 is swung forwardly, whereby a similar operation occurs, except that the shaft 32 is turned counter-clockwise, shifting the -cranks 36 upwardly, and raising the scraping element. The upward movement of the scraping element is limited by.the stop bracket 111'engaging the contact element 110 which would swing bell crank lever ,108 upon its pivot and restore the lever 77to the inactive posito be taken as a preferred example of the same, and that various changes in the shape, size and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit clutch actuating means to release the brake of .my invention or the scope of the sub.

joined claims.

Having thus described my invention, I

claim 1. In a machine of the character described,.a main frame, wheels for supporting the same, a vertically movable scraper element connected with the frame, a rota-.

table tlriving shaft connected with the main frame, means to raise and lower the scraper element, separate driving connecting means between the rotatable shaft and the first named means, a clutch device for rendering each driving connecting means active, a brake device for holding the scraper element in a selected position, means ,for actuating each clutch device, and means operated upon the operation of either of the deyice.

2. In a machine of the character de-' scribed, a main frame, wheels for supporting the same, a vertically movable scraper element connected with the frame, a rotatable driving shaft connected with the main frame, means to raise and lower the scraper adapted to be moved by the movement of either element, and means operated by the member and adapted to release the brake device.

3. In 'a machine of the character described, a main frame, wheels for supporting the same, a vertically movable scraper elemen connected with the frame, a rotatable driving shaft connected with the main .frame, means to raise and lower the scraper element, separate driving connection means between the first named means and the rotatable shaft, clutch devices for rendering the driving connecting means active, a brake device forholding the scraper element in a selected position, levers connected with the clutch devices to operate them, a bar pivotally connected near its ends with said levers, and a rod engaging the bar between its ends and connected with the brake device.

4. In a .machine of the character described, a main frame, wheels for supporting the same, a vertically movable scraper element connected with the main frame, a rotatable driving shaft connected with the main frame, a control shaft connected with the frame and having connection with the scraper element, a jack shaft connected with the main frame, an inner clutch element connected with the rotatableshaft for rotation therewith, outer clutch elements to engage and disengage the inner clutch element, driving connecting means between one outer 7o clutch element and the control shaft, driving connecting means between the other outer clutch element and the jack shaft, reverser; driving connecting means between the jack shaft and the control shaft, levers having means to shift the outer clutch elements, a brake device carried by the jack shaft, a bar connected with the levers, and means to v operate the brake device and adapted to be operated by said bar. 5. In a machine of the character de* scribed, a main frame, wheels for supporting the same, a vertically movable scraper element connected with the frame, a rotatable driving shaft connected with the, main frame, means to raise and lower the scraper element, separate driving connecting devices between the rotatable shaft and the first named means, clutch devices for rendering said driving connecting devices active, a brake device for holding the scraper elements in a selected position, pivoted elements for actuating the clutch devices, a member connected with the pivoted elements and adapted to be moved by the movement of either element, means operated by the member and adapted to actuate the brakedevice, means operated upon the upward movement of'the scraper element beyond a predetermined distance to shift one pivoted element, and 300 means operated .by the downward movement of the scraper element beyond a predetermined distance to shift the other pivoted element.

6. In a machine of the character described, a main frame, a vertically movable scraper element connected therewith, normally inactive means to raise the scraper element, normally inactive means to lower the scraper element, levers connected with the separate means-to renderthem active, a common element connecting said'levers and: adapted to be moved by the movement of either lever, a brake device normally holding the scraper element against vertical movement, a rod connected with the brake device and engaging the common element, and a spring moving the rod in one direction.

signature in presence of twb witnesses.

FREDERICK R. MORTON.

-- Witnesses:

\ FEE. Coon,

II. 'I. Kmonr.

In testimony whereof I have affixed my 

